I don’t mind that I’m posting a little later than usual, today. I have Old Man Winter to thank.
This is a Pasta e Fagioli kinda day if ever there was one.
Dom and I returned home from Lake Placid a little later than planned last night. The -24 degree temperature decided that our vehicle needed to stay put until things warmed up a bit. We learned the hard way that cars that run on diesel fuel don’t always get along with frigid temperatures. So with that, the car sat outside eagerly awaiting the temperature to rise, while we sat cozily inside, munching on Valentine’s chocolate, watching Dolce play, feeling perfectly content in the waiting place.
We finally took off and traveled down roads that were clear of snow, making our trek home far less stressful than our trek there. We got to enjoy a few TED talks and the musical-stylings of the singer-songwriters I have stored in my Spotify. It was lovely.
I woke early this morning with the intention of writing, but OMW (Old Man Winter) had another plan. With the views out my kitchen window revealing icicles formed to look like rickrack and fringe hanging from the fence surrounding our hibernating pool – it was no surprise when the power went out.
I was thinking – okay, that’s the way you want to play OMW? No worries. I can play.
I turned off the water and stopped filling the pot that I was readying for my morning coffee and just stared out the window panes above the sink as the world elicited a perfect hush.
When the power goes down, it feels like the entire world conspires to make us stop. Just stop. And listen. It’s a beautiful thing, even a necessary thing, every once in a while, to stop. Take a breath. Admire the icicles and listen to the silence. It’s a very pretty song.
This pasta e fagioli is very pretty, too.
I think that’s why I’m sharing photos of all its components. I couldn’t decide what to cut, so I decided to cut nothing. I don’t know how coaches do it – I’d have the biggest teams in history.
Pasta e fagioli AKA pasta and beans – probably has as many variations as there are beans in this bowl – but at the end of the day it’s a humble, rustic peasant dish that’s all about a few components that are infused with deep rich flavors like garlic, olive oil, tomatoes and cheese.
I went the navy bean route, though you could use any bean or combination of beans that are to your liking. I added a marinara made with flavor-packed Muir Glen whole peeled tomatoes that’s been spiced with a little red pepper, kosher salt and cracked black pepper. I used ditalini, tiny tube-shaped pasta, and my favorite Pecorino-Romano to finish it off.
Nope, I don’t mind at all that the car didn’t start or my morning coffee was delayed…
This is winter.
It’s all good.
PrintPasta e Fagioli
- Category: Dinner
Ingredients
- Beans
- 1 pound white navy beans
- 3 quarts canned chicken broth
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 4 large garlic cloves, crushed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Marinara
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 – 2 tsp. red pepper flakes
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 – 14.5 oz. cans Muir Glen whole peeled tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pasta
- 1 pound ditalini
- Salt (for water)
Instructions
- Wash the beans thoroughly and discard any imperfect ones.
- Put the chicken broth in a large pot. Add the beans, garlic, oil, salt and pepper.
- Simmer until beans are tender, 1 1/2 – 2 hours.
- In the meantime prepare marinara.
- In a small heavy skillet over medium-low heat, slowly sauté the garlic and seasonings in the olive oil.
- Add the tomatoes, a little more red pepper and the salt and pepper.
- Simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes or so on low heat.
- Lastly, in a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta to very al dente, 8 minutes.
- Reserving 2 cups of liquid, drain the pasta in a colander.
- When the beans are tender, add the drained pasta and the marinara to the pot.
- If more broth is desired, add the pasta liquid, a little as you go, until you reach a desired consistency.
- Simmer for 10 – 15 minutes.
- Ladle into large soup dishes and sprinkle with freshly grated Romano (or Parmesan) cheese and a pinch more of your spices.
- Serve immediately.
CIAO!
Andrea @ Cooking with Mamma C says
This is such a lovely post, Annie. Someday, I’ll be reading your book. Your pasta e fagioli looks wonderful! I have to laugh about you being unable to decide which photos to cut. I usually struggle with finding enough good photos to post, Lol!
Annie says
Wow, my friend…that is an incredible compliment – especially from a writer like you! You know what – I got lucky this time – the photo-stars were aligned for me that day! hahaha! Thank you so much for stopping by and gracing me with your kindness.
Stacey @ The Sugar Coated Cttage says
This looks so warm and comforting, perfect companion with OMW. Glad u didn’t cut any of the pics, love them all! Take care!
Annie says
Oh yeah…they are best buds! Thanks, dear! 🙂
Simone | My Blueberry Basket says
I love your positive way of looking at things, accepting things as they are and getting the most out of them. It just made me feel good when reading your blog post. 🙂 Thank you for it! And I love your wonderful photos and your simple, yet warming and comforting pasta dish!
Wonderful!
Big hugs, Simone
Annie says
Awhhhh! Thank you, Simone! I appreciate your sweet words! 🙂
Summer says
I need to try this! Looks so nice ♥
summerdaisy.net
Annie says
Thank you, Summer!! 🙂
Mir says
Lake Placid sounds like a lovely getaway, cars starting notwithstanding. In freezing temps, you can just stay cozy a little longer!
This looks like an equally cozy dinner. It’s perfect!
Annie says
It’s our home away from home… Brings us so much joy and tranquility. Thanks, my dear! 🙂
Mariana says
This is the ultimate comfort food for me, reminds me so much of my mum’s cooking.
Annie says
There’s nothing better than that! Thanks for stopping by with a kind word, Mariana! 🙂
Kathleen | Hapa Nom Nom says
Hope you’re staying warm, Annie! If there were ever a dish to do such a thing, it would be THIS dish! This is what I like to call my, ‘when Harry met Sally dish’ – Yes, Yes, Yes! I have’t had pasta e fagioli in ages, but it is truly one of my very favorite comfort foods! I cannot wait to make this! Recipe already printed!
Annie says
Hahahah! Oh yes! (Yes, Yes!) Love it! Thanks for the pin, my dear! Enjoy! 🙂
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks says
No power is no fun, but I’m glad you made it home safe and had the opportunity to enjoy the silence. I don’t know how you could have cut any of these photos, Annie! They’re all beautiful and tell the complete story. Stay warm, friend! 🙂
Annie says
Luckily it was only out for minutes…it certainly would have been a different story if it were any longer! Thanks for your kind words, my dear! Have a great day! 🙂
mira says
Glad you made it safe home! I’m done with winter! Can’t wait for the weather to warm up! Love this soup, need to try and make it myself!
Annie says
Thank you, friend! I think you’ll like this, Mira! Enjoy! 🙂
Rachel @ Bakerita says
This pasta e fagioli looks like the most perfect cold weather meal ever!! I could seriously use a big bowl of this today 🙂
Annie says
Come over! I made enough! 🙂
Michelle | The Secret Ingredient Is says
-24 degrees, yikes! Old man winter really paid a visit, hopefully you’re staying warm! So beautifully written, as always Annie! Peaceful mornings are the absolute best, when you’ve got nothing but time to enjoy the view. Pasta e Fagioli is a family favorite of mine, I definitely need to make yours before the winter is over — looks so cozy and delicious!
Annie says
Can you believe that – we made the mistake of thinking we were getting away with a mild winter this year – oh well! hahaha! This soup is a favorite! Thanks so much for your kind words, my friend!
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says
Ditalini are the greatest!! You can do so many things with them — including soups. They are the perfect size!! And pasta e fagioli screams comfort. It was one of my mamma’s favorite soups along with Sophia Loren — can’t get any more Italian than that. Now we wouldn’t make it overly spicy for my mamma, but when we did it for ourselves? We kicked it up with Ro-Tel. It’s not Italian but it is oh so good!! Glad you’re back safe and sound. 🙂
Annie says
Ditalini are the greatest! Look at that – that’s some pretty awesome company to keep…I say yes to our pasta e fagioli club! Thanks, my friend! 🙂
Kelly says
Yikes, it’s been SO frigid here too and I’m glad you guys made it home safe. Comforting bowls of soup and pasta have been all that we’ve been consuming. Pasta eFagioli is my favorite soup from Olive Garden and I just made one in the slow cooker a few weeks ago too. Yours looks and sounds a billion times better, my friend! I love how simple and full of flavor it is! 🙂
Annie says
Thanks, dear! It was smooth sailing once it warmed up enough. This dish never disappoints, does it?! And I’m certain mine is not better than yours, Miss Slow Cooker Queen! Have a nice evening and stay warm! 🙂
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
I was wondering if you were taking a winter hiatus because my Tuesday morning CCB email never arrived and then I checked your site to find last week’s post. So glad your home safe, sound and the power is back on… and hopefully you got that cup of Joe! But, I’m also glad you enjoyed the silence of no power. 😉 Pasta e fagioli is one of my favorite soups, classic and always delicious! Love yours, of course! I haven’t made Pasta e fagioli yet this winter… why I have no clue?! Obviously I need to get on that and make yours! Pinned! Cheers, dear friend and stay warm! Xo
Annie says
Oh, you know I got that cup of joe and then some! This is a favorite cozy bowl of food – I’m so happy I made a double batch…I’m fixin’ to warm myself a bowl right now! Thanks for checkin’ in, dearest! Cheers! XO
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
Loved your descriptions of that cozy winter feeling and I am so glad you chose to include all your prep photos, too! That picture of the salt and peppers is stunning 🙂 Pinning!
Annie says
Thank you so much, Medha! I appreciate your kindness! 🙂
Amanda says
Wow! It gets to -24 here sometimes and it fees like there is nothing you can do to warm up. That’s when I live in about three sweaters. ? But this looks so warm and comforting! What an inviting dish! This is perfect for the winter.
Annie says
Oh yes – bring on the sweaters…and the blankets…and the hot cocoa…and the pasta e fagioli! Thanks, friend! 🙂
Geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen says
Boy, you guys are getting walloped with the cold weather, Annie. -24 degrees is insane. And soup is definitely what you need when it’s soooo cold. Love pasta e fagioli and can’t wait to try this. And you’re right about the world being a little bit quieter when the power goes out.
Annie says
We are getting walloped! I decided this year that it’s better to surrender to the cold than to fight it! hahahaa! With dishes like this, we can handle anything! Thanks, friend!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Sounds like Old Man Winter is having a good time in your part of the woods! It’s been cold lately, but nothing like we’ve experienced last year…at least yet! This dish looks gorgeous, Annie! I love the hearty ingredients and flavors. Just perfect for this time of year!
Annie says
This recipe just screams wintertime comfort to me…so glad you agree! Happy you’re keeping warmer than last year – I’ll keep my fingers crossed that it stays that way for you! 🙂
Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
I love such easy peasy meals, and this pasta bowl looks and sound so comfy, Annie. I wish I could have the cozy and delish bowl right away,
Annie says
You and I have that in common, my friend – nothing like cozy and delicious easy peasy meals! 🙂
Manali @ CookWithManali says
I love simple dishes like this, there’s so much flavor to them! this looks delicious Annie! 🙂
PS: I love the way you write! <3
Annie says
Thank you so much, Manali! You bring a smile to my face! <3